The Dolder Classics took place for the third time on August 13, 2017 at the Oerlikon open racecourse. As is well known, in 2017 the event will have to move from its usual location on the Dolder ice rink in Zurich to Oerlikon because the Dolder is undergoing renovation. As always, the replacement solution has advantages and disadvantages, one of the biggest disadvantages being the comparatively small capacity of the area inside the racing oval for the bikes.
Fully occupied
As a result, there was hardly a space available after ten o'clock in the morning and many classic cyclists had to be relegated to the outside parking spaces. This was of course not only a bitter pill to swallow for those affected, but also for the visitors, who were of course delighted to see every classic car.
However, there was so much to see and automotive rarities and bread-and-butter cars of the past came and went throughout the day.
Rarities non-stop
Those who took the time to take a closer look at the cars were able to see many a rare vehicle. For example, there was the Alpine A110 GT4, the four-seater version of the popular Berlinette with an independent body.
Barely twenty steps further on, you could discover a one-off, a Fiat 8V with coupé bodywork by Vignale, designed by Giovanni Michelotti.
The early versions of the Fiat X 1/9 are perhaps somewhat less rare, but nonetheless rare, although the light green version represented the type perfectly and a "Gspänli" even arrived later.
Wide range of vehicles
As always at the Dolder Classics events, the range of cars gathered was huge.
There were road cruisers from the USA, small sports cars from the UK, the Trabant from East Germany and the fun Belcar tricycle from Switzerland.
In any case, there was no shortage of colors and shapes.
Under the best conditions
For once, the weather was completely convincing, the temperatures remained within reasonable limits and the sun finally did its best again after several rainy days.
Most of the convertible roofs were opened and the occupants showed off their routine smiles.
Just one more time on the racetrack
On September 13, 2017, the Dolder Classics will take place for the last time at the racecourse in Oerlikon, and next year it should be back on the Zürichberg.
By then, the racecourse meetings will perhaps be remembered with nostalgia. In any case, the picture galleryaccompanying this article will help to jog the memories.
